Read and React to Low Post Defense Drill
By Hal Wissel
This drill gives you practice reading defenders in the low post and reacting with the correct move. A coach or teammate can be a defensive player. The defensive player defends you only until you read the defense and select the correct move, not while you make your move. Catch the ball with a jump stop, landing outside the lane and above the block. On the pro lane, land outside the lane and split the hash mark above the block. By catching the ball above the block, or splitting the hash mark above the pro lane, you will be able to shoot a bank shot after a front turn to the baseline. After you catch the ball in the low post, the defender will vary the defensive position
—baseline side, topside, or off of you—to give you practice making the correct decision. When you see or sense that your defender is on the topside (toward the foul line) show the ball to the defender on the topside then drop-step with your baseline side foot and make a power move. When you see or sense that your defender is on the baseline side show the ball to the defender on the baseline side then drop-step to the middle with your topside foot and shoot a hook shot. If you cannot locate the defender or if you are in doubt, use a front turn toward the baseline to face the basket and see the defender’s position. After the front turn, the defender will play you with hands up or hands down. If the defender’s hands are down, shoot a bank jump shot. If the defender’s hands are up, use a crossover step to the middle and shoot a hook shot. If the defender steps in your path to defend your hook shot, counter with a spin-back power move.
Read and React to Low-Post Defense Drill